Moro National Liberation Front rebels are still holding 180 hostages and have seized up to 37 more as the standoff in Mindanao between security forces and the militant Islamist group enters its third day. Some 13,000 residents have been evacuated, and the government claims the situation has been “contained,” but clashes continue; several people have died and at least 36 have been injured. Interior Secretary Roxas said negotiations have not yet led to a breakthrough. The rebels are said to be calling for international mediation.
